Denmark will close its embassy in Argentina because it is no longer one of its priorities

The Danish government announced on Friday that it will close its embassy in Argentina as part of a “restructuring” of its foreign service, which will favor delegations in other countries.

The decision was made public by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeppe kofod, in reaction to the situation in Afghanistan, which forced the authorities give priority to “the security and protection of the Danish people in a world where democracy, human rights and values ​​are under increasing pressure”.

“Restructuring means, among other things, that our missions in the EU, NATO, UN, Arctic, Africa, as well as our export initiatives will be further strengthened. A total of 16 missions and 9 departments will be reinforced at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in CopenhagenWas clarified in a press release.

They will also close the embassy in Tanzania, in collaboration with the Consulate General in Chongqing (China) and the trade mission in Barcelona (Spain). In addition, a series of efficiency measures will be carried out, for example, in the areas of energy, purchasing and properties, it has been announced.

“My priority as Minister of Foreign Affairs is to ensure the safety and security of the Danish people in a world where democracy, human rights and our values ​​are under increasing pressure. The purpose of this reorganization is to help us direct our efforts, both at home and around the world, so that we can make the most difference possible. The serious event that has taken place in Afghanistan over the past two weeks requires reflection, and we need time to digest and analyze it in cooperation with the Danish Parliament. After this process, the government will present a new foreign and security policy strategy at a later stage, ”Minister Kofod said.

The decision comes at a time when the economic situation is causing concern around the world and is prompting several foreign companies to rethink their future in the country. Recently, a report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) determined that Argentina is the second worst performing nation in the world in terms of foreign direct investment.

According to a report by First Capital Group, since August 2019, there have been at least 32 deals and / or announcements in which a multinational group decides to close and / or sell its operation or local business unit in Argentina. They are mainly concentrated in the aeronautics, textiles and retail sectors, activities which have been particularly affected by the pandemic and by the economic crisis in Argentina. Airlines Latam, Norwegian, Air New Zealand; the auto parts company Saint Gobain Sekurit; the Walmart supermarket chain and the Falabella retail business; Nike; pharmacist Eli Lilly; among others.

Foreign direct investment is considered to be the capital that comes from abroad into the country, from companies that are in the country or new, added to the reinvestment of profits made by companies of foreign origin.

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